Gala Dinner Set to Launch 140th Anniversary Celebrations 27 April 2018 by Visit Blackpool July 1878, a lavish ceremony was hosted at the venue to mark it’s opening, attended by the Lord Mayor of London and Mayors and Mayoresses from 68 towns throughout the country. 140 years on a gala dinner in the world-famous Empress Ballroom on Friday 06 July will mark the occasion before a yearlong calendar of showpiece and community events as well as a range of exhibitions and projects set to be announced over the coming weeks. Since opening in 1878 the venue has welcomed millions of visitors across its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces. Playing host to the biggest names in show business including Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope, and more recently, the likes of Little Mix, Bob Dylan, Peter Kay and One Direction have performed to sell-out audiences here. Not forgetting world politics welcoming party conferences for many years hosting the likes of Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher through to Tony Blair and Bill Clinton. Michael Williams, Managing Director: 'We’re incredibly proud and honoured to be in a position to celebrate 140 years of such an iconic and magnificent building, one which is not only a focus for community pride and enjoyment but a venue which has played host to so many world changing events, all of which we intend to celebrate during the anniversary year.’ ‘The anniversary is testament to the vision and aspiration of those who helped create the venue and all those since who have ensured the venue remains at the forefront of the Blackpool offer. Originally Built over a 6-acre site at a cost of just £100,000, the venue featured concert rooms, and promenades which were followed with various projects through to 1939 including the Opera House, Empress Ballrooms and Spanish Suites. The largest building project at the Winter Gardens Blackpool since completion of the Opera House in 1939 is now well underway with the new Conference and Exhibition Centre set to open in 2019. Kathy Smith, General Manager: ‘The Winter Gardens Blackpool is the people’s palace and the anniversary is an opportunity for us to celebrate its rich history with the local community and the millions of visitors we welcome each year.’ ‘The venue means so much to so many and this is the most important aspect we’re set to celebrate through sharing and recognising the many stories the Winter Gardens has been integral too.’ As well an exciting range of events a series of community initiatives are set to be launched as part of the 140th anniversary celebrations. Tickets for the 140th anniversary gala dinner on Friday 06 July are now on-sale at wintergardensblackpool.co.uk and in the box office.